Top Ten Auckland Food Show PicksBy Emma Raho

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If you couldn’t make it to the Incredible Auckland Food Show last weekend don’t worry. I spent Saturday munching my way around the ASB showgrounds on your behalf to bring you the top 10 products you should add to your shopping list today.

Mama’s Brew Shop

I’ve been struggling to fall in love with Kombucha and have tried many different kinds. Now that I have tried Mama’s the search is over. Home brewed by the very awesome Liv and Rene you can taste the love in every sip. The great news is they are opening a brew bar in Helensville so make sure you drop by and visit.

My eye was initially caught by the bright packaging and fortunately the taste of the inside backed up the outside. Brewed in Mt Maunganui by three beer loving Wellingtonians, this is not your standard supermarket stuff.

Juno is a tasty, smooth gin fit for the Goddess herself. Jo and David distil their gin in picturesque Mt Taranaki out of all local ingredients making Juno a totally kiwi experience. If you’re not much of a gin drinker, Juno would be a perfect way to start.

Before I tasted Gathered Game I had only ever tried salami from the supermarket. There is absolutely no comparison or going back now from the real deal. Chris is also pretty hilarious so try to get in to see him if you’re in Southland and ask him about his hung meat.

Caroline makes the most delectable marmalade you’ve tasted since afternoon tea at your best friend’s grandma’s house. The Marriotts grow, make and sell from Omahu Valley, even the labels are designed by their daughter Emma making this company a true family affair. Pick up some Coromandel sunshine in a jar.

Being a dedicated tea drinker it would be wrong for me not to include it in my top ten. After diligently sampling all the freebies I could get my mitts on Harney and Sons was my winner by a whisker. Their huge range, cute tins and high quality teas put them above the rest.

Imported by Zebra International, La Croix definitely has more to it than just being another flavoured water. It satisfied my soda craving without destroying my teeth or giving me the woolly feeling in my mouth that other flavoured sodas and waters seem to.

As with kombucha above, I have been trying hard to get into sauer kraut and other probiotic foods (eating that will offset the donuts right guys? … Guys?). The Living Goodness range of kraut, kimchi and slaw tastes as good as it is for you. Your tummy will thank you

Even after getting my samples on I was still keen to go down to the vending trucks to get lunch. Wiseboys had the best vegan burgers ever! I would give up meat burgers forever if I had this option every time, which is a huge deal for me as a self-appointed burger connoisseur. If you get a chance to try one of their Moroccan burgers, do not pass it up.